THE JOHNSON DIARIES: Life on the Edge

AIRBRUSHING ...

2012-01-25T19:23:00.014+01:00

Dear readers, this week ‘J’ IS FOR *J*UST LOOK: AIRBRUSHING!
Now, where was I? Oh yes! Airbrushing. There has been much comment in the UK press about airbrushed images and their effect particularly on the impressionable young. A survey found that half of 16 to 21-year-old girls consider having surgery to change the way they look and 42% of 11 to 16-year-olds admit to watching what they eat. What’s your view? Do celebrities, politicians etc have the right to have their ‘image’ retouched and set impossibly unreal standards? Here are some examples:
1.Kim Cattrall (above)
2. Twiggy - before and after her (later banned) Olay shoot

3. Keira Knightley – poster and less-busty reality4.Tina Fey – minus scar on chin 5. Filippa Hamilton received an apology from Ralph Lauren for digitally narrowing her waist
6. George Clooney 7. Angelina Jolie 8. Plus Size model IS IT OK FOR CELEBRITIES ETC. TO AIRBRUSH THEIR IMAGES? AND THE REST OF US? DO YOU RETOUCH YOUR OWN PHOTOGRAPHS?!
Do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock.
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented.
Enjoy,
XOXO LOLA:)

ICONS

2012-01-18T19:43:00.023+01:00

Dear readers, this week ‘I’ IS FOR *I*CONS!
Everyone has different perceptions about what constitutes an icon. What do you rate?
Here are some to get us started:
1. Micky (above)
2. Tutankamun

3. Marilyn 4. Kids playing in a downpour, Cuba

5. Vietnam horror 6 & 7. A couple of Aircraft: Concorde and a Vickers Spitfire
And Logos: 8. The BBC (HQ) 9. Shell And, finally, a more recent icon:
10. Uggie & “his” 2012 Golden Globe award for The Artist! WHAT CONSTITUTES AN ICON FOR YOU – A PERSON, MONUMENT OR …?
Do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
Enjoy,
XOXO LOLA:)

SEASONAL SHOWCASES ...

2012-01-11T19:08:00.025+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Ruby Tuesday2, Rednesday & Alphabe-Thursday with some of the *h*istoric display windows of the, er, (Oops!) past season which I couldn’t help posting! Here they are:
1. Au Printemps, Paris (above & below) 2. Browns, London 3. Butler & Wilson 4. D & G 5.Harvey Nicks 6. Hermès 7. Barney’s Lady Gaga’s Cove & Boudoir

8. Liberty

9. Links of London 10. Alexander McQueen 11. Selfridges 12. Sergio Rossi

13.Tiffany

14. Louis Vuitton 15. Agent Provocateur ANY OUTSTANDING SEASONAL DISPLAY WINDOWS WHERE YOU LIVE?
Do check out other Ruby Tuesday2, Rednesday & Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
Enjoy,
XOXO LOLA:)

OR: WHY CHRISTMAS TAKES PLACE 12 DAYS LATER HERE ...

2012-01-04T19:32:00.017+01:00

Dear readers, here in Spain, it is traditional for children to receive their Christmas presents from the three "Reyes Magos" – *G*AZPAR, MELCHOR and BALTASAR (above) this Thursday, January 5 (Epiphany Eve) - as per the Biblical story (see my previous post on gold, frankincense and myrrh). Almost every Spanish city or town organises parades or cabalgatas (pictured above and below) in the evening when the Kings and their servants parade and throw sweets to the children (and parents). Astute children (and parents) open umbrellas to collect them!
The parade of the three kings in Alcoy, Valencia (pictured below) claims to be the oldest in the world, having started in 1886. After the parade, there is a large feast, eaten either out at a restaurant or in someone’s home. There are traditional foods like jamon (usually pata negra), polvorones, roscos navidaños (a traditional, ring-shaped sweet bread or cake), drinks and Spanish Christmas carols, like the zambomba, may be sung. While the families are out celebrating, the Kings are said to visit each house and leave presents under the tree or in children’s shoes (as per letters left earlier in eg.the letterbox at this shopping center, captured above).
On January 6th, the centrepiece of la fiesta de los Reyes Magos is the Three Kings’ Cake or Roscón de Reyes (pictured above) - a sweet, ring-shaped cake with a small gift (a small figurine of the baby Jesus or another surprise depending on the region) and an actual dry broad bean (don’t ask!) baked into the middle. The one who gets the gift is crowned king/queen for the day but whoever gets the bean has to pay the value of the cake to the person who originally bought it or provide the following year’s King’s cake. Presents are opened - like a typical Western Christmas Day only 12 days later!

As times change, many families in Spain, though, are beginning to acknowledge Santa Claus and giving gifts on Christmas Day. Some families even celebrate both!
ANY SPECIAL NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS WHERE YOU LIVE? OR HAVE SEEN?
Do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock, Ruby Tuesday2 and Rednesday @ suelovescherries.
Finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
Enjoy, and my very best wishes to you and yours for 2012!
XOXO LOLA:)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-12-21T19:18:00.025+01:00

Last time I was a bit late due to all the festivities so am now relinking (with some recent scenes from around the world) to wish all my dear readers a very Happy New Year! Apologies if you've already caught this post!
Here they are:
Sydney (above)
London Paris New YorkRome Madrid And may all your hopes and wishes for Christmas be granted, though we may not expect to come across much of the following this year - traditional Christmas gifts which may literally become a thing of the past:
Gold - Prices have soared as the economic crisis continues. The current price is £1,029.20 an ounce:
Frankincense - The tree which makes the resin faces extinction due to overgrazing and insect attacks:

Myrrh - Drought may have had an impact onthe growth of the thorny tree from which the resin comes: WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE SEASON?

Do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. And to new followers too. Have a great weekend!
Enjoy, and Happy New Year!
XOXO LOLA:)

MOVIES TO STEP INTO ...

2011-12-07T20:34:00.025+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘E’ IS FOR *E*XCITING MOVIES – ONES YOU’D LIKE TO STEP INTO! Sometimes, a movie creates a world we wish we could simply step into – far from the imploding global financial crisis engulfing us all.

The graphic violence of Michael Winner’s Death Wish sequels; the horrors of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie franchise, anyone? No, we could think of loads of movies in which we’d rather not find ourselves! Of course, in many cases the whole concept is a non-starter – the various props, costumes, sets and camera locations that make up the movie’s visual reality are so cobbled together it’s difficult to take them seriously anyway. But sometimes the magic does take hold and a movie creates a world you feel you could simply step into, one in which you might be happy to stay.
For me, it's the dark opulence George Lucas conjured up in Star Wars, and the fun George Roy Hill created in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (above and below). How I’d have loved to have been on that bike instead of Katherine Ross (pictured) or on that cliff-edge alongside Robert Redford and, especially, Paul Newman - whom I had the great pleasure of meeting in a Malibu restaurant when I lived in LA. And spent the rest of the evening trying my best to avoid staring into those mesmerising blue eyes ... What would your favourite movie be to step into? Something modern or period like Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre – if you fancy stepping back in time!
On TV, too, wouldn’t you just love to drop in on your favourite soap/series and join in the gossip and banter? Like Sex and the City, Star Trek or Friends. (Wouldn't it be just great to have friends like those?) For something a bit more demanding, there’s always The Killing (above). Set against an unremittingly dark, Danish backdrop that would certainly keep the pulse racing, I’m not sure, though, the “heroine” Sarah Lund - famous for an edginess that would make my beloved Dexter seem like the Tooth Fairy - would necessarily make the ideal companion.

As for the world of books, surely many would love to step inside a Harry Potter novel and “live” his adventures. Or a John Grisham legal thriller or a Lee Child action yarn. For me, there are characters in both my psychological suspense novels (in paperback - or at just 86p or €0.99 per ebook a steal!) – Alex in The De Clerambault Code and Dan in Soul Stealer – I would love to meet. Dependable types to rely on in a crisis – back in the real world …

WHICH MOVIE / TV SERIES / BOOK WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO 'STEP' INTO?
Do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

DEXTER!

2011-11-23T19:44:00.017+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘D’ IS FOR *D*EXTER!
I know, I know, I have come to this rather late, having only just begun catch-up! I know that US audiences are already on the 179th series with Dexter a grandfather casting a wry eye back over his past escapades! And what escapades. I don’t want to do a spoiler for anyone just landed from Mars. Suffice to say I’m still engrossed with the characters, ensemble acting and humour! Who would think the story of a serial killer/psychopath could elicit such humour? But then, that guy in the office next to yours – you know, the one with the ready smile and terrific jokes – who looks so, well, “normal”. What do you REALLY know about HIM?
Here are a few reminders from the series: DO YOU WATCH DEXTER? WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE TV SERIES?
Do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:) PS Just starting here the second series of The Killing starring Sofie Gråbøl (above). In Danish. Ten episodes. Bliss.

CATWALKS ...

2011-11-16T20:39:00.010+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘C’ IS FOR *C*ATWALK!
Are you influenced each season by what you see on catwalks? Do you, ahem, ‘interpret’ catwalk designs yourself? Or are you maybe attracted by partnerships between designers and high street stores - often H & M. Like their latest link up – with Versace (below). Anything here you fancy/ could pop out to the local supermarket in? ARE YOU INTERESTED IN FASHION/THE LATEST TRENDS? OR DO HAVE YOUR OWN INDIVIDUAL STYLE?
Do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS I’ve no idea of the provenance of the image at top. If you do, let me know and I’ll be happy to add the credit!

BOND MOVIES - AND THOSE BOND GIRLS ...

2011-11-09T21:04:00.012+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘B’ IS FOR *B*OND: JAMES BOND - AND THOSE BOND GIRLS …
News of the latest Bond movie, Skyfall, and of the latest Bond girls made me wonder if it isn’t time, at this point in the 21st century, to retire these ladies from the franchise? What’s you view? Do you like them and believe they are as intrinsic/integral to the format as Bond himself? In other words, if they were to go, Bond would soon follow?
Here are a few reminders of Bond girls (past & present):

1. Bérénice Marlohe & Naomie Harris (with Daniel Craig, below) - Skyfall

2. Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) – Dr No

3. Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman) – Goldfinger

4. Tiffany Case (Jill St John) – Diamonds Are Forever 5. Xenia Onatopp (Famke Janssen) – Goldeneye

6. Strawberry Fields (Gemma Arteton) – Quantum of Solace
WHAT’S YOUR TAKE? DO YOU LIKE/HATE BOND MOVIES? (AND THOSE BOND GIRLS?)
Do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

ADVERTS THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD ...

2011-11-02T20:39:00.013+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘A’ IS FOR ADVERTS THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD!
Here they are:

1. Saatchi for Australian Red Cross promoting blood donation (above)
2. A South American beauty clinic’s campaign alleging how ‘wrinkled’ Angelina Jolie and Paris Hilton would be without skincare (below)

3.’Anti-smoking’ campaign by Les Droits des Non-Fumeurs 4. Family Violence Partnership, Milwaukee raising awareness about statutory rape

5.Spoof campaign for Prius portraying murder. Caption reads: “Well, at least he drives a Prius”
6. Benetton – Aids sufferer

7. Bizarre ad for Jetsetters Deutsch Magazine

8.Agent Provocateur – against illegal detention of Guantanamo Bay prisoners

9. Kenneth Cole - campaign highlighting Aids

WHICH ADVERT(S) DO YOU FIND THE STRANGEST/ MOST SHOCKING?
Do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

YOUR LOLA LIFELINE - HALLOWE'EN SPECIAL!

2011-10-26T20:32:00.023+02:00

YOUR VERY OWN LOLA LIFELINE – SPECIAL HALLOWE’EN EDITION!
THE COLUMN THAT GIVES YOU,DEAR READERS,LOLA POWER!
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where we’re celebrating HALLOWE’EN!
And my postbag is full to bursting with queries and dilemmas from so many of you! And, as usual, I’ve picked out the most urgent and pressing to share!

First up is another query from my puppy-nephew, Alfie (above).
Grrrhh! Grrrhh!

1. Dear Aunt Lola,

"My girlfriend, Tamara (below) wants me to attend a Hallowe’en party this weekend dressed as a zombie! Zombies, ghosts and all the stuff associated with Hallowe’en frighten the life out of me, Aunt Lola, but Tamara is very insistent. Should I be assertive with her or simply give in? What’s your advice, Aunt Lola?"
Dear Alfie,
Trying to be assertive with someone as assertive as Tamara will only end in tears! My advice is to say you’ve got an appointment at the groomer’s or you’ve pulled an Achilles tendon playing football (or whatever excuse you use these days!) and let her go on her own. One thing’s for sure: she won’t need a zombie costume!
Dear readers, that’s my advice for Alfie. Do you agree/disagree? Any other suggestions for him?

2. Next up are queries from two dear readers, ROGUE ARTISTS in the great USA and PONDSIDE in beautiful Canada who both write such wonderful blogs which everyone should visit! Do visit both their great sites NOW!
Firstly, the query from Lizzie @ Rogue Artists (pictured, and with her brother, Mulligan):

Dear Lola,
“Your answers are sheer genius! Now I have a question for you. My mom and dad had a birthday party for me on August 21 (you can see the video on mom's blog) and I got lots of great gifts. Here's my problem - my brother Mulligan thinks they are HIS TOYS and takes them away from me when I am playing. Mom says to share, but he just won't listen. Help!! Lizzie.”
And next the query from Pondside:
Dear Lola,
“Your advice is the best out there. My dog Rory barks at cats on TV. Is this normal? Does he want a cat-friend? Should I buy him one, and if so, should it be Siamese or Manx? Thanking you in advance, Pondside.”
Dear Lizzie @ Rogue Artists and Pondside,
Look, just threaten Mulligan and Rory I’ll send over Tamara (or her cat-friend, Rosebud, left) to sort them both out. Believe me, you won’t have any more problems from either of them! Mulligan will keep to his own toys and you won’t hear a squeak (let alone a bark) from Rory. However, should they still fail to be frightened into submission, just show them this. Guaranteed. CLICK HERE
Dear readers, that’s my advice to Rogue Artists and Pondside. Agree/disagree? Any other suggestions for them?

4. Finally, we have a query from Ms T Bag (below):
Dear Lola,
"I’ve been happily married for 33 years and yet my husband is still not perfect. Despite many years of nagging, he still forgets to wipe his feet when entering the house. Is this because he is in a rush to see me, or does he simply not listen?"
Dear Ms T Bag,
Ask him, and if he says, “What?”, you’ll know it’s the latter.
Dear readers, that’s my advice for Ms T Bag. Agree/disagree? Any other suggestions for her?
Well, dear readers, sadly that’s all we have time for today! But remember, if you have any problems or queries you’d like me to respond to - just like Rogue Artists and Pondside above - don’t hesitate to let me know (or my PA, Nora) in the COMMENTS BOX BELOW! However weird, outlandish, insoluble it may seem, I’ll have an answer to that Desperate Dilemma of yours! So why hesitate any longer? Go on! Write to me, Agony Aunt to the Stars, in the comments box NOW!

And remember, YOUR LOLA LIFELINE! - your lifeline to a saner, more harmonious world.
And now I’m going to creep back to my basket for my beauty sleep (yawn), but do help yourselves, my dear readers, to the Ladurée macarons on your way out!
Have a great Alphabe-Thursday! And check out other posts at Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
XOXO LOLA:)

SOUL STEALER: A PICTORIAL AUTUMN JOURNEY ...

2011-10-19T21:11:00.032+02:00

First of all, two brief – but important! - messages:
1. Thank you all for helping to make my latest novel, Soul Stealer, a psychological suspense thriller – which I wrote about in my last post HERE! - reach the top 30 psychological thriller category of Amazon UK’s eBooks!
2. Next week to celebrate Hallowe’en at Alphabe-Thursday, you’ll find here the latest edition of “Your Lola Lifeline” – a Hallowe’en special - plus answers to queries from two dear readers! Who are the (un)lucky pair? Don’t you dare miss it!

Now, those dear readers who have already downloaded Soul Stealer will know that the protagonist, Alice, a London-based journalist, travels to various parts of Britain in her search for the truth in this story of the secretive, shadowy world of identity theft, betrayal and revenge.

As I mentioned in my last post, this thriller tells the story of one person’s change of identity to escape “things”. And the relentlessly chilling, life-changing consequences for those left behind, especially those searching for the truth behind subterfuge and ... murder. Does the character in SOUL STEALER escape justice too? Well, … but you really don’t want me to give away the ending, do you?!

But what I can reveal is the background – and inspiration - to the novel that is set in the season of autumn. And something about the main places that Alice visits: the Peak District, Derbyshire; Stonehenge in Wiltshire, SW England, and Lake Vernwy near the Welsh/Shropshire border. Here then are some images (if only these could have been included on Kindle!). So, follow Alice’s journey – as “seen” through her eyes!
1. Stonehenge - Autumn Equinox:
More images: Sarsen stone in the inner circle: 2. Lake Vernwy, near Welsh/Shropshire border:
Firstly, Lake Vernwy Hotel, which overlooks the lake and where Alice spends a night:
and the lake itself: And the jetty where Alice takes a contemplative walk:
3. The Peak District, Derbyshire:
Eastern Peak District Moors in heather, near Curbar (top of page):
Nearby Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, residence of Duke & Duchess of Devonshire (below): More Peak District autumnal scenes: Like its predecessor, THE DE CLERAMBAULT CODE, SOUL STEALER is available on Amazon both in paperback and as an eBook (at just 86p for UK readers – a steal!) with all profits to charity (see sidebar or click
HERE for amazing reviews and further shameless self-promotion!)
So, dear readers, download now onto your Kindle, iPad or palm of your hand. I don’t mind!
Do check out other autumnal-themed Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. And to new followers too. Have a great weekend!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

NOVELS: DO THEY SEND YOU TO ZZZZ AT NIGHT OR WAKE YOU UP WITH A ZTART?

2011-10-12T20:53:00.017+02:00

The end is here at Alphabe-Thursday: ''Z'. And my question to you, dear readers: DO YOU PREFER NOVELS THAT SEND YOU TO *ZZZZ* AT NIGHT OR WAKE YOU UP WITH A *Z*TART? If the latter, then listen up because, finally, my latest novel, SOUL STEALER, a psychological suspense novel has just been published!

But first a question for you, dear readers. Is the Recession – or maybe life in general - getting on top of you? Ever fancied doing a Reggie Perrin? (Translation for non-Brits: “doing a pseudocide” - faking one’s own death.)

Well, this thriller tells the story of one person’s change of identity to escape “things”. And the relentlessly chilling, life-changing consequences for those left behind, especially those searching for the truth behind subterfuge and ... murder.

SOUL STEALER not only delves deep into the secretive, shadowy world of identity theft, betrayal and revenge but also mirrors real-life events. Years ago, I knew an internationally successful businessman and, like many others, attended lavish parties on his private yacht – even ending up in Tatler! Then I lost touch and later learned he’d died in the Far East. I felt sad but, that was that – or, so I thought.

Next I read the UK Serious Fraud Office was investigating after reports of his ‘death’ may have been premature following ‘inconsistencies’ in the death certificate issued. It’s also claimed by creditors (he allegedly owes millions) he’s undergone radical cosmetic surgery to re-invent himself - a new identity in a new life wherever that may be. (And no, CrimeStoppers, I don’t know where he is either!)

Does the character in SOUL STEALER escape justice too? Well, … but you really don’t want me to give away the ending, do you?!

Like its predecessor, THE DE CLERAMBAULT CODE, SOUL STEALER is available on Amazon both in paperback and as an eBook (at just 86p for UK readers – a steal!) with all profits to charity (see sidebar or click HERE for amazing reviews & further shameless self-promotion!)

So, dear readers, download now onto your Kindle, iPad or palm of your hand. I don’t mind!

And finally, if “things” are getting on top of you, there’s this quote in the novel you may find helpful.

WHICH NOVELS DO YOU PREFER? THOSE THAT HELP YOU *ZZZZ* AT NIGHT OR KEEP YOU AWAKE (SO YOU DON’T DARE TURN OFF THE LIGHT)?

Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. And to new followers too. Have a great weekend!

Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS The Amazon.com Kindle version of THE DE CLERAMBAULT CODE was faulty earlier! Loud complaints and representations (doubtless heard on both sides of the Pond!) were made to Amazon. Glad to report it's now perfect too!

YOU HITTING THE BOTTLE TOO?

2011-10-05T20:49:00.020+02:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘Y’ IS FOR *Y*ES - RED IS THE NEW BLACK! …OR IS IT? (OK, maybe not such a good example of 'Y' -but can you come up with a better one?!)
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, it seems as if red is the new black – as it were! Just look at all these red-heads:
1. Linda Evangelista (above)
2. Blake Lively – Chanel ambassador (below) 3. Amy Adams 4. Julianne Moore 5. Florence Welsh 6. Cheryl Cole

7. Christine Hendricks

8. Lily Cole 9. Karen Elson
10. Drew Barrymore EVER BEEN TEMPTED TO BE A RED HEAD? (OR UNDERGO ANY OTHER IMAGE CHANGE/MAKEOVER YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH ZILLIONS OF MY READERS!)
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday/Rednesday posts @ Jenny Matlock & Sue Loves Cherries!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who visited or commented.
Have a great weekend!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

*X*CITING SIGNS!

2011-09-28T21:10:00.017+02:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘X’ IS FOR *X*CITING SIGNS. EVEN MORE *X*CITING SIGNS! And again a health warning: some of the following are rather, er, weird. So, those of a sensitive disposition should look away NOW!
Hello, anyone still there?! Ah, good! Here they are: WHICH SIGN(S) DO YOU FIND THE STRANGEST/ MOST SHOCKING? ANY WHERE YOU LIVE?
Do tell me! And do check out other Rednesday/ Alphabe-Thursday posts @Suelovescherries & Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. And to new followers too.
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

WEIRD EMMY OUTFITS ...

2011-09-21T20:43:00.022+02:00
Dear readers, back again and thank you everyone for all the comments to my last post - Your Lola Lifeline - and all your requests for advice which I’m already attending to and will pass to my PA for typing. But heaven knows when she’ll get around to it (you’d think it’d be easier to get good staff in a recession, wouldn’t you?). Oh, I could on at length about this so, take a break, dear readers, put on the kettle, talk among yourselves for a few minutes and I’ll be right back … It’s going to be a minute or two before I’m good to go again!

Now, where was I? Oh, yes, participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘W’ IS FOR *W*EIRD (AND SOME *W*ONDERFUL) … 2011 EMMY OUTFITS!
First of all, some of the *W*onderful ones:
1. Lea Michele (above)
2. Zooey Deschanel (below) 3. Michelle Dochery

4. Christina Hendricks -Mad Men
5. Minka Kelly 6. Joanne Froggat

7. Julie Bowen 8. Elizabeth McGovern And now, some of the *W*eird ones:
9. Elisabeth Moss (a tad overall pallid in this outfit?) 10. Gwyneth Paltrow (is the sari the new LBD?)

11. Julianne Margulies – The Good Wife (but that bodice feature!)

12. Phoebe Price (channelling Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid?)
13. Padma Lakshmi (those streaks!) And finally a pic of my PA in one of her gowns: Oops! Sorry! Wrong pic, similar images! No offence, Miss Piggy!
WHICH OUTFITS DO YOU FIND THE WEIRDEST/ LEAST WEIRD?
Do tell me! And do check out other posts @ Sue loves Cherries, Work of the Poet and Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. And to new followers too. Have a great weekend!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

YOUR LOLA LIFELINE!

2011-08-31T21:15:00.021+02:00

YOUR LOLA LIFELINE!
THE COLUMN THAT GIVES YOU,DEAR READERS,LOLA POWER!
Well, dear readers, welcome to the latest edition of Alphabe-Thursday where *T* stands for just one thing: *T*RUST: YOUR LOLA LIFELINE! And my postbag’s full to bursting with queries and dilemmas from so many of you (if I haven’t been able to include yours this time, I will next!). As usual, I’ve picked out the most urgent and pressing to share.

1. First up is another query from my puppy-nephew, Alfie (above).
Ooh, Nora! You are sooo useless!
Most incompetent PA ever! Post the
pic of Alfie below immediately...!

Dear Aunt Lola,
I have a dilemma: I always visit friends in France in the summer, and one of their signature dishes contains horse. I’m taking my girlfriend, Tamara (below), for the first time. She has owned horses for years, and is passionate about them. I know this will really upset her and could jeopardise our relationship. What should I do, Aunt Lola?
Dear Alfie,
As Summer’s almost at an end, this might be bolting the stable door after the horse has already been eaten. However, if your girlfriend doesn’t speak French, don’t tell her anything — a little economy with the truth will prepare her for married life together. (And if she does speak French, she will be aware of other unmentionable habits she may encounter anyway and you can stop worrying.)

Dear readers, that’s my advice for Alfie. Do you agree/disagree? Any other suggestions for him?

2. Next up is a query from Miss Filet O’Fish, Belfast (left)
Dear Lola,
How does one go about getting etiquette changed? What bothers me is the rule that a man should always walk behind a lady when they are ascending a flight of stairs, in case she stumbles backwards. In these days of pelmet skirts/ skin-tight, ultra short female clothing, this can lead to embarrassment for both parties (but especially the lady). I feel the man should walk ahead of the lady when they are ascending. Do I need to write to etiquette guides, or could you make a pronouncement via the blogosphere?
Dear Miss 0’Fish,
Is there to be no joy in your life?
Dear readers, that’s my advice for Miss Filet O’Fish. Agree/disagree? Any other suggestions for her?

Finally, we have a query from a Mr "Rick Shaw", London, who would prefer to remain incognito but for those of you are a bit curious, I've done exhaustive research on your behalf CLICK HERE
3. Dear Lola,
My girlfriend (right) thinks she has a stalker. I’ve been following her for weeks, but haven’t seen him. Is it just me or is she crazy?
Dear Mr Rick Shaw,
You’re right: it is just you.
Dear readers, that’s my advice for Mr Rick Shaw. Agree/disagree? Any other suggestions for him?

Well, dear readers, sadly that’s all we have time for today! But remember, if you have any problems or queries you’d like me to respond to (dealt with anonymously if preferred), don’t hesitate to let me know (or my P.A., Nora) in the COMMENTS BOX BELOW! However weird, outlandish, insoluble it may seem, I’ll definitely have an answer to that Desperate Dilemma of yours! So why hesitate any longer? Go on! Write to me, Agony Aunt to the Stars, in the comments box NOW!

And remember, YOUR LOLA LIFELINE! - your lifeline to a saner, more harmonious, beauteous world.

And now I’m going to creep back to my basket for my beauty sleep (yawn), but do help yourselves, my dear readers, to the champagne (below) on your way out! Oh, btw, I shall be MIA for the next few weeks ’cos Nora’s away and, as you know, she’s the one who transcribes all my deeply profound thoughts! But, like Arnie (left), I WILL be back very, very soon AND before the fat lady sings!! Promise!! In the meantime,
do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock’s!
XOXO LOLA:)

SUCH SHOCKING SIGNS!

2011-08-24T21:28:00.016+02:00
Dear readers, excuse the little hiatus - have been very, very busy (thank you everyone for all the messages while I was away!). But now so glad to be back with you in the saddle so to speak and participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘S’ IS FOR *S*IGNS. MORE *S*IMPLY *S*HOCKING *S*IGNS!

And again a health warning: some of the following are rather, er, rude. So, those of a sensitive disposition should look away NOW!
Hello, anyone still there?! Ah, good! Well, here they are:
WHICH SIGN(S) DO YOU FIND THE STRANGEST/ MOST SHOCKING? ANY WHERE YOU LIVE?
Do tell me! And do check out other posts: Alphabe-Thursday @ Jenny Matlock, Ruby Tuesday @ Work of the Poet & Rednesday @ Sue Loves Cherries!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. And to new followers too. Have a great weekend! See you again soon!
STOP PRESS! Due to an overflowing postbag from so many of you, *YOUR LOLA LIFELINE* is back next week!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

*J*UST LOOK: *J*UST DREADFUL SIGNS!

2011-06-22T21:26:00.018+02:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘J’ IS FOR *J*UST LOOK: *J*UST DREADFUL SIGNS!
Here are some more signs. But a health warning: some of the following are rather, er, rude. So those of a sensitive disposition should look away NOW! WHICH SIGN(S) DO YOU FIND THE STRANGEST/ MOST SHOCKING? ANY WHERE YOU LIVE?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. And to new followers too.
Have a great weekend! And see you again soon!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

*I*NTERESTING HOTELS ...

2011-06-15T21:33:00.013+02:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Ruby Tuesday, Rednesday and Alphabe-Thursday where ‘I’ IS FOR *I*NTERESTING HOTELS! VERY *I*NTERESTING HOTELS! Decided where to spend your Summer vacation yet? Fed up with the usual bland hotel that could be in anywheresville? How would you like something a bit different – unique, even, and certainly *I*nteresting! How about one of these:
1. 'Hotel Mercedes', Germany (above)
2. Ice Hotel, Quebec (below) 3. Beckham (No! Not that one!) Creek Cave Haven, Arkansas 4. Ariau Towers, Brazil 5.Propeller Island City Lodge, Berlin 6. Library Hotel, Quebec 7. Igloo Hotel, Iceland And a couple more: ANY OF THESE HOTELS GRAB YOU? KNOW OF ANY OTHER UNUSUAL *I*NTERESTING ONES?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who visited or commented.
Have a great weekend!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

*H* IS FOR *H*AUTE COUTURE!

2011-06-08T21:19:00.022+02:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘H’ IS FOR *H*AUTE COUTURE 2004-2010!
Recent coments by Claudia Schiffer (above) who says “You can’t be too overdressed or too sexy on the school run” or for running chores got me thinking about the sort of clothes she has doubtless in mind. Designer clothes! So, to help you, dear readers, when you’re next at a loss what to wear when popping out to the local supermarket but still want to be as “sexy” and groomed as Claudia, here are a few suggestions (some maybe already in Claudia’s closet!) in Part Two of this little Retrospective: Haute Couture 2004-2010 :
1. Dior, 2004 (below)
2. Ungaro, 2004
3. JP Gaultier, 2004

4. Chanel, 2006

5.Givenchy, 2006
6. Chanel 2007

7. Dior, 2007

8. Valentino, 2007

9. John Galliano at Dior, 2008
10. Lacroix, 2008 11. Valentino, 2008 12. Chanel, 2009
13. JP Gaultier, 2009

14. Dior, 2010 WHICH DESIGNER(S) DO CONSIDER THE MOST OUTSTANDING IN THIS PART OF THE LAST DECADE? ANYTHING HERE YOU COULD POP OUT TO THE SUPERMARKET IN?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matl ock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who visited or commented.
Have a great weekend!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

*G* IS FOR GHASTLY BOOK TITLES & COVERS!

2011-06-01T21:08:00.023+02:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Ruby Tuesday, Rednesday and Alphabe-Thursday where ‘G’ IS FOR *G*HASTLY, REALLY *G*HASTLY BOOK TITLES & COVERS!
Recently, I’ve been, natch, keeping up with the position of the just-released e-Book format of my psychological suspense novel, The De Clerambault Code (above) which, when I last looked, is still in the TOP 50 psychological thriller category of Amazon’s ebooks! Woohoo! And all profits to charity too! (see sidebar or click HERE for amazing reviews & further details!)
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, I couldn’t help noticing the titles and dust jackets of other novels listed. Some, I have to say, were strange!
So, I did a little trawl and came up with the following (none in current Top 100 Amazon lists, as far as I’m aware!Apologies if you know the authors!). Which do you find the weirdest? Know of any other bizarre titles and/or dust jackets? WHICH TITLE AND/OR BOOK COVER DO YOU FIND THE MOST *G*HASTLY? KNOW OF ANY OTHER(S)?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And Ruby Tuesday @ Work of the Poet & Rednesday @ Sue loves Cherries).

Finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. And to new followers too. Have a great week! And see you again soon!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

HAUTE COUTURE 2000-2003

2011-05-25T21:38:00.019+02:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘F’ IS FOR *F*ASHION – HAUTE COUTURE 2000-2003!

Btw Thank you all so much for helping to make my novel, The De Clerambault Code - that I’ve just had issued in ebook format and wrote about in my last post – reach the TOP 50 psychological thriller category of Amazon’s eBooks! Woohoo! And all profits to charity too! I’m so grateful to all you dear readers wherever you are! Incidentally, in answer to the question I asked about the future of the traditional book, some of you commented you like its feel and smell (!) and could never see yourselves without it, but a small majority preferred the convenience and compactness of ebooks with book storage space at a premium in some homes.

But, where was I? Oh yes. In Monty Python’s immortal words, and now for something completely different! Fashion. Here’s Part One of a little retrospective: Haute Couture 2000-2003 (rest of the decade to follow soon!).
1. John Galliano for Dior, 2000 (above)
2. Laetitia Casta, YSL, 2000 (below)

3. Donatella Versace, 2000

4. Alexander McQueen for Givenchy, 2001

5. Valentino, 2001

6. Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel, 2002
7. Ungaro, 2002
8. Versace, 2002
9. YSL, 2002 10. Linda Evangelista, Chanel, 2003 11. Naomi Campbell, Elie Saab, 2003 12. JP Gaultier, 2003 13. Valentino, 2003 WHICH DESIGNER(S) DO CONSIDER THE MOST OUTSTANDING IN THIS EARLY PART OF THE LAST DECADE?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who visited or commented.
Happy Ruby Tuesday (Works of the Poet)& Rednesday (Sue loves Cherries)!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

*E* IS FOR *e*-BOOKS!

2011-05-18T21:02:00.012+02:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘E’ IS FOR *e*BOOKS!
With e-books now worth 6% of total sales in the UK, having increased 300% in 2010, are we looking at the end of the paperback? Well, whether or not that is the case, I’ve now had my own novel, The De Clerambault Code (already available on Amazon in paperback with the new “Look Inside” feature), issued as an e-book (at prices that are a steal!)

Regular readers will recall that I’m keen to do whatever I can to support the fundraising campaign of Cudeca (further details in sidebar), a hospice here in Andalucia, and the reason I’m donating to it all future profits from sales of The De Clerambault Code, a psychological suspense thriller (Click HERE OR IN SIDEBAR for amazing reviews & further details!) whose themes deal not only with the nature of obsessive delusional behaviour, violence and death but also the problem of human trafficking and adolescent thugs. Likewise sales from my soon-to-be-published psychological suspense novel about identity theft, Soulstealer.
And it seems I’m not alone in going the e-book route! A top UK independent school, Wellington (above), is ditching 16,000 books (more than 80% of its total) for… e-books. Its new library – which has changed little since the school opened in1859 as a national monument to the Duke of Wellington, the victor at the battle of Waterloo – echoes changes made in some American universities, including Stanford’s engineering library, as part of its move towards creating an “electronic" one.
So, dear readers, download now on your Kindle, iPad or palm of your hand! I don’t mind which!
WHAT’S YOUR VIEW? WITH ELECTRONIC DEVICES, ARE WE SEEING THE END OF THE TRADITIONAL BOOK?

Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented.
Have a great weekend! And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

*D*READFUL, *D*READFUL SIGNS ...

2011-05-11T21:46:00.003+02:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘D’ IS FOR *D*READFUL, REALLY *D*READFUL SIGNS!
Here are some more signs. But a health warning: some of the following are rather, er, rude. So those of a sensitive disposition should look away NOW! WHICH SIGN(S) DO YOU FIND THE STRANGEST/ MOST SHOCKING? ANY WHERE YOU LIVE?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. And to new followers too. Have a great weekend!
All my lovely comments disappeared! Ugh! See you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

SEVILLE HOSTS FERIA DE ABRIL FESTIVAL!

2011-05-09T15:26:00.011+02:00
Seville hosts Feria de Abril festival!
The annual week-long fiesta of flamenco dancing, horse shows and bullfighting has just opened in the Andalucian capital of Seville, southern Spain.
Here are some pics from it …
WHAT’S THE MOST COLOURFUL/EXCITING FESTIVAL YOU’VE EVER SEEN?
A happy Ruby Tuesday/Rednesdayto everyone!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue Loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

TOP TEN THINGS WOMEN HATE ABOUT MEN'S CLOTHES ...

2011-05-04T21:34:00.016+02:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘C’ IS FOR *C*LOTHES. But not THAT dress but MEN’S *C*LOTHES AND THE TOP 10 THINGS WOMEN HATE ABOUT THEM!
Here’s a selection from a recent survey (sorry, can’t recall the exact date!):
1. Leather trousers (Brad Pitt, above)
2. Flip flops (Russell Brand, below)

3. Low-cut T shirts ( Max George – The Wanted) 4. Such snazzy jeans (Shane Warne, former Australian cricketer & Liz Hurley’s latest squeeze)
5. Vests (Matt Cardle – X Factor champion)
6. Dangly earrings (Daniel Day Lewis)
7. Boots over jeans (Louie Spence) 8. Short shorts (Jamie Hince) 9. Ugg boots ( Ronnie Wood, a Rolling Stone) 10. Short sleeved shirts (Jack Black) ANY OF THE ABOVE YOU HATE TOO? ANY OTHER PEEVES YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE CONFIDENTIALLY WITH ME (AND MILLIONS OF MY DEAR READERS?)
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. And to new followers too. Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

UNUSUAL ART WORK ...

2011-05-02T15:24:00.004+02:00
WHAT'S THE MOST UNUSUAL ARTWORK YOU'VE EVER SEEN?
A happy Ruby Tuesday/Rednesday to everyone!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue Loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

BIB NECKLACES ...

2011-04-27T21:38:00.009+02:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘B’ IS FOR *B*IB NECKLACES!
Here are some images, designer and high street:
Designer:
1. Vera Wang (above) and

2. Amy Adams at the Oscars (below)
High Street:
3-6 Top Shop 7 Nefertiti (Accessorize)

8 Gold plated Grecian Leaf (Marks & Spencer)
WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THIS TREND IN NECKLACES? JUST A FAD? WHAT’S YOUR OWN FAVOURITE PIECE OF JEWELRY (MINE’S MY DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING!)?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who visited or commented.

Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

THE COLOUR RED ...

2011-04-25T15:56:00.007+02:00
What is it about the colour red in movies? It’s everywhere. Red for blood, or a wound …

Like the red plastic mac worn by a dead little girl in the opening scene of director Nicolas Roeg's 1973 movie classic of the English supernatural, Don’t Look Now (above). Based on the short story by Daphne Du Maurier, this mac is what she’s wearing when she drowns in the pond of her parents' English country home. Her art historian father, John, later takes his grieving wife Laura away for a healing trip to Venice (of all the ironic waterlogged places), having accepted a commission to restore a church building.

Red also figures in the 2006 Omen remake, Schindler’s List, Rebel without a Cause, Red Shoes, Flatliners, Red Riding Hood and soon in Submarine (with Yasmin Paige, below)
DO YOU LIKE WEARING RED? IF SO, WHAT?
Do tell me! And Happy Ruby Tuesday / Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday /Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of The Poet & Sue loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Hope you had a lovely Easter and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

*A* IS FOR ADDRESSES WITH CHARACTER ...

2011-04-20T21:47:00.016+02:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘A’ IS FOR ADDRESSES WITH CHARACTER …
Some houses have been identified with certain well-known people like Hillary Clinton, for instance (above). Others in this category are:

Who is this supposed to remind us of: = Mike Tyson And this? = Former UK PM Gordon Brown And this? = Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Leonardo SEEN ANY HOUSES – OR BUILDINGS – WITH CHARACTER WHERE YOU LIVE?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

HOT AIR BALLOONS MAKE CHANNEL RECORD BID ...

2011-04-18T14:55:00.009+02:00
Hot air balloons make Channel record bid!

More than 50 hot air balloons took off recently from Kent in an attempt to break the world record for the largest group to cross the Channel.

As a child I flew to a Mediterranean island in a twin prop plane that couldn’t land there because of a mini hurricane and was forced to keep on flying. The upshot was we missed our destination by some 200 miles and made an emergency landing in another continent - North Africa! It took me 20 years before I could board another plane, travelling everywhere by land or sea!

HAVE YOU FLOWN IN A HOT AIR BALLOON? WHAT’S THE MOST HAIR-RAISING JOURNEY YOU’VE EVER EXPERIENCED?

Do let me know! Happy Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday!

And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue Loves Cherries.)

Enjoy!

XOXO LOLA:)

PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

DO MOVIES SEND YOU TO *ZZZ* OR WAKE YOU UP WITH A BANG?

2011-04-07T14:37:00.012+02:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘Z’ IS FOR ZZZZZ…… DO MOVIES SEND YOU TO SLEEP - OR WAKE YOU UP WITH A START?

LIKE SOME OF THESE FOR INSTANCE …

The top ten biggest movie shocks of all time:

Bruce Willis's movie hit The Sixth Sense was last year declared the film with the biggest shock of all time. The film about a young boy who claims to "see dead people" features a pivotal moment in which the truth about Willis's character is revealed. It beat 50-year-old chiller Psycho in a poll to find the most shocking plot twist, commissioned to mark the release of Robert Pattinson's film Remember Me on DVD and Blu-Ray.

According to the poll, the top ten biggest movie shocks of all time are:

1. Sixth Sense (1999) - Bruce Willis's character is in fact dead (above & below).

2. Psycho (1960) - Norman Bates has dressed as his mother

3. The Usual Suspects (1995) - Kevin Spacey's character Verbal is actually the villain Keyser Soze.

4. The Empire Strikes Back (1980) - Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father.

5. Saw (2004) - Villain Jigsaw is alive and was just pretending to be dead throughout the film.

6. Fight Club (1999) - Ed Norton and Brad Pitt's characters are the same person.
7. The Wicker Man (1973) - Edward Woodward's Sgt Howie has been lured to become a sacrifice.
8. The Others (2001) - Grace Stewart (Nicole Kidman) and family are ghosts.

9. Se7en (1995) - Spacey's John Doe character has set up the plot to engineer his death.

10. Planet Of The Apes (1968) - The setting is planet Earth in the future.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS POLL? ANY OTHE MOVIE(S) YOU KNOW WITH BIGGER PLOT TWISTS?

Enjoy

XOXO Lola

PS Have a great weekend and see you for Ruby Tuesday!

ONE MILLION POUNDS FOR 'WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE DOG' ...

2011-04-04T14:55:00.006+02:00
£1 million for 'world's most expensive dog'...

A Red Tibetan Mastiff puppy has become the world's most expensive dog after being sold for almost £1 million. Tibetan Mastiffs are fierce guard dogs that have stood watch over nomad camps and monasteries on the Tibetan plateau for centuries.

Legend has it that both Genghis Khan and Lord Buddha kept them. More recently though they’ve become highly-prized status symbols for China’s nouveau-riche. The dogs are thought to be a pure "Chinese" breed and are rarely found outside Tibet, giving them an exclusivity that other breeds can’t match. So prices have risen from around 5,000 yuan a puppy five years ago to the hundreds of thousands and even millions now. Big Splash (above)- or "Hong Dong" in Chinese - is 11-months-old but already stands nearly three-feet-high at the shoulder and weighs more than 180lbs.

WOULD YOU PAY EXTRA FOR AN EXCLUSIVE PET BREED? HAS THE WORLD GONE TO THE DOGS?

Do let me know! Happy Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday.

And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/ Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue Loves Cherries.)

Enjoy!

XOXO LOLA:)

PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

*Y* IS FOR *Y*OUR KIND OF JEWELRY ...?

2011-03-30T21:35:00.024+02:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘Y’ IS FOR *Y*OUR KIND OF JEWELRY? After last week’s post, I thought some jewelry might be appropriate to set off those Xciting, Xotic animal prints I can (virtually) see you all in! Just the ticket, too, to pop down to the shops in…! Well, do you like wearing jewelry? What kind? Is this for you? 1. Layered necklaces (above) 2. Fashionable fringe (below) 3. Bold statements 4.Strong motifs 5. All metal

6. Square bangles

7. Huge retro-inspired ring

8. The more the better

COULD YOU SEE YOURSELF IN ANY OF THESE DESIGNS?

Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!

And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend! And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!

Enjoy!

XOXO LOLA:)

THE LAST OF THE ICONS ...

2011-03-28T15:08:00.013+02:00
With Elizabeth Taylor’s death last week, many in the press say it’s the end of the era of true glamour and star quality. Yes, it’s true, dear readers, with the death of this icon – like Marilyn earlier – there are now so few of us left! But where was I? Oh, yes … Who, in your view, will be remembered longer: Elizabeth or Marilyn? Here are a few reminders of, perhaps, Elizabeth’s best-known films:

1. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

2. Giant

3. Suddenly Last Summer

A good Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday! And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue loves Cherries.)

Enjoy!

XOXO LOLA:)

PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

E*X*CITING LEOPARD PRINTS ...

2011-03-23T21:44:00.012+01:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘X’ IS FOR E*X*CITING & E*X*OTIC LEOPARD PRINTS…!
Do you wear leopard prints? Perfect for popping out to the market in? Or a bit OTT? What's your take on these ...
1. Moschino (above)
2. Blumarine (below) 3. D & G
4. Dries van Noten
5. Mulberry
6. Etro
COULD YOU SEE YOURSELF IN ANY OF THESE DESIGNS?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Once again, a fairly loose use of 'X' but amusing, no?

JAPAN ...

2011-03-21T14:46:00.007+01:00

ONE OF 30 BOATS LEFT HIGH AND DRY BY THE JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI
The massive earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan on 11 March together caused widespread destruction and suffering, relayed on television screens around the world. More than 18,000 people are now estimated to have died, thousands injured or missing, and more than 440,000 people have had to leave their homes. With the world’s attention now switched to Libya, please don’t forget the humanitarian crisis still playing out in Japan.
It, just like Christchurch and its earthquake last month, needs our help. Please donate to The Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal_
Happy Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/ Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue Loves Cherries.)
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

WESTERNS - THE GREATEST SCREEN COWBOYS EVER!

2011-03-16T21:15:00.015+01:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘W’ IS FOR *W*ESTERNS – THE GREATEST SCREEN COWBOYS EVER! (Almost wrote: Greatest Best Westerns but that sounds too much like marketing, no?)
Here are some great screen cowboys:
1. Clint Eastwood (above)
2. John Wayne – True Grit (below) 3. James Stewart 4. Henry Fonda

5. Randolph Scott
6. Gregory Peck
7. Paul Newman
8. Gary Cooper - High Noon 9. Jeff Bridges - True Grit remake

10. Woody – Toy Story
And not forgetting … BichonWayne … WHICH SCREEN COWBOY DO YOU THINK WAS/ IS THE BEST OF ALL TIME? ANY OMITTED IN THE LIST HERE?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

WHO/ WHAT WOULD YOU SAVE FIRST FROM A BURNING HOUSE?

2011-03-14T15:05:00.008+01:00

Britain is famous for its love of pets but it seems that times are changing after a survey revealed that 60 per cent of respondents would grab their laptops, mobile phones, iPods and even games consoles if their house was burning down before saving the family dog.

The public’s callous streak was attributed to the vital nature that gadgets play in everyday, modern lives but the results are nonetheless startling. Of 1,219 people surveyed only 14 per cent said that they would leap to the rescue of their dog, cat or canary in the case of a fire.

WHO/WHAT WOULD YOU SAVE FIRST FROM A BURNING HOUSE?
Do let me know!
Happy Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/ Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue Loves Cherries).
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

VERY, VERY STRANGE SIGNS ...!

2011-03-09T21:53:00.014+01:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘V’ IS FOR * V*ERY *V*ERY STRANGE… SIGNS! (More signs, I hear you scream? Maybe I can keep this up through ‘Z’ – just kidding! Anyway, apologies if there was a bit
too much lavatorial humour last time!)

WHICH SIGN DO YOU FIND THE STRANGEST/ MOST SHOCKING? ANY WHERE YOU LIVE?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Again, not the most original use of *V* but … amusing, no?

BRISTOL CARS .... THE END OF THE ROAD!

2011-03-07T15:04:00.007+01:00

Bristol Cars, the British motoring institution, has just gone into administration...
For a generation, its cars were the embodiment of high-powered, handcrafted Britishness.

To own a Bristol Car was to drive a "Gentleman's Express", a luxury vehicle for the discerning wealthy who wouldn't be seen in anything quite as dreadfully bling as a Rolls-Royce or Bentley!
Now, though, Bristol Cars, the last wholly-owned British-owned car maker, with its manufacturing base in er, Bristol, has been placed in administration. In the firm's heyday, it was making around 200 cars a year with a waiting list of 18 months. Production, all by hand, is said to have dwindled to just 20 vehicles a year with the company increasingly reliant on servicing old cars.

The current models on offer (above) at its sole showroom, on High Street Kensington, West London, range in style from the Fighter – top speed more than 200mph, 0 to 60mph in less than four seconds – to the Blenheim, which offers "authoritative performance, elegant understatement and imperturbable stability at speed". Priced between £150,00 and £250,000 with recent customers including Bono, Liam Gallagher and Sir Richard Branson.

WHICH IS THE MOST EXCITING CAR YOU’VE EVER DRIVEN? OR … WOULD LIKE TO DRIVE?
Do tell me. And Happy Ruby Tuesday/Rednesday! And do visit other Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue Loves Cherries).
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

MORE UNUSUAL SIGNS ...

2011-03-02T21:39:00.014+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘U’ IS FOR * U*NUSUAL, VERY *U*NUSUAL… SIGNS!

WHICH SIGN DO YOU FIND THE STRANGEST/ MOST SHOCKING? ANY OTHERS YOU KNOW OF?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Not the most original use of *U* I admit! But … amusing, no?

NEED MORE COLOUR IN YOUR LIFE, GUYS?

2011-02-28T14:53:00.012+01:00

Here are some examples from the recent Milan Fashion Show to rival all the colour of Sunday’s Oscar gowns!
Ladies, can you see the men in your life in any of these outfits in the near future? Ooh! And here’s one for you too (from NY Fashion Week): WHAT’S THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS OUTFIT YOU’VE EVER WORN? (EXCLUDING NATCH THAT FANCY DRESS PARTY WHEN HE WENT AS SUPERMAN AND YOU AS SUPERWOMAN!) Happy Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/ Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue Loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

THE TOP TEN WEEPIES FOR MEN - MOVIES, THAT IS!

2011-02-23T21:34:00.011+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘T’ IS FOR *T*HE *T*OP *T*EN “WEEPIES” FOR MEN - MOVIES, THAT IS!

According to a recent poll, the top ten weepies of all time for men are:
1.TOY STORY 3 (above)
This from Disney Pixar, has apparently been making grown men cry more than ever before. The others are:
2. The Green Mile (the giant, John Coffey, below)

3. Gladiator (Russell Crowe in his pre-fighting period)
4. Blade Runner
5. Up 6. The Shawshank Redemption

7. Terminator 2 (Arnie – future Governor of California)

8. Field Of Dreams (Kevin Costner)

9. Transformers – The Movie
10. Saving Private Ryan (Vin Diesel scene)
DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS POLL? ANY OTHE MOVIE(S) YOU KNOW WHICH HAVE MADE MEN (OR YOU!) WEEP?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

"LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN"? - OOPS! IS RE-OPENING!

2011-02-21T14:38:00.007+01:00
“LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN”? - OOPS! IS RE-OPENING!
As the London landmark Tower Bridge is about to reopen to ships for the first time in 5 months following a facelift, an on-site exhibition sheds new light on this masterpiece of engineering.

Building the bridge (that opened in 1894) took eight years, the lives of 10 men, 30,000 tons of granite and Portland stone.

Happy Ruby Tuesday and Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/ Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of The Poet & Sue Loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

SHOCKS, SCARES AND HOAXES THAT FOOLED THE WORLD!

2011-02-16T21:42:00.016+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘S’ IS FOR * S*HOCKS, *S*CARES AND *S*IGNIFICANT HOAXES THAT FOOLED THE WORLD!

HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THOSE SHOCKS, SCARES AND HOAXES:

1. Forged Hitler Diaries revealed in 1983. 62 volumes bought by Stern magazine for DM 2.5M! (above)
2. Giant skeleton in Saudi Arabia in 2004, below? No, entry in photoshop competition! 3. Crop circle UK 1991 - later revealed as man made (below)
4. Fake UFO – although some still remain unexplainable apparently… 5. 2005 Runaway bride who later claimed kidnap and sexual assault. Ex-fiancé married another woman! (Lucky escape?)

6. “Montauk Monster” washed ashore in NY 2008.

7. Female Bigfoot in 1967 film? No, ape costume!

8. Georgia 2008 – another Bigfoot? No, hollow head & rubber feet!

9. 2009 £350,000 commissioned piece, Entropa (depicting EU states’ stereotypical attributes) caused diplomatic row.

10. Liberty Bell renamed as “Taco Liberty Bell” April 1, 1996 (April Fool's joke?)

WHICH IMAGE DO YOU FIND THE SCARIEST/ MOST SHOCKING?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

A VALENTINE FOR YOU!

2011-02-14T14:42:00.012+01:00

I couldn’t overlook the fact that today is Valentine’s Day so, in case you haven’t (yet) received your roses via Interflora, here are some from me to you:

Plus some chocolates too… HOW WILL YOU BE SPENDING THE DAY?

Happy Ruby Tuesday and Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of The Poet & Sue Loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday.

ROAD SIGNS!

2011-02-09T21:43:00.014+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘R’ is for ROAD SIGNS!
Here’s a selection of some odd road signs (and maybe a few others…)

WHICH SIGN IS THE ODDEST? ANY OTHERS YOU’VE SEEN ON YOUR TRAVELS?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

RED ALERT!

2011-02-07T13:53:00.008+01:00
Unusual snow storms in the UK in December, 'snowmageddon' on US east coast now – not to mention Australia’s summer-time emergencies. A major cyclone, devastating floods and now bushfires have swept through three Australian states in recent weeks, leaving at least 35 people dead, 35,000 homes damaged and billions of dollars in reconstruction bills. ANY UNUSUAL WEATHER PATTERNS/INCIDENTS WHERE YOU LIVE?

Happy Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/ Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of The Poet & Sue loves Cherries)

Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday.

A VALENTINE'S DAY SUGGESTION ...

2011-02-02T21:36:00.017+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘Q’ is for a *Q*UITE WONDERFUL VALENTINE'S DAY SUGGESTION: Paris and some of its secret, lesser known boutiques! So, if you’re planning a romantic Valentine's Day break in Paris this Spring, be sure to add these to your itinerary for some great retail therapy!
KEY:
1. Dacade (above)
2. Isabel Marant (below)
3. Mistigriff
4. Maureen Vinot
5. André accessories
6. Belle Epoque
7. Galerie Elsa Vanier

8. Celine Ellena
9. Merci Boutique ANY PLANS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY THIS YEAR? OR GIFT IDEAS?
Do tell me! They’ll be a secret between you and zillions of readers! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
NB I know this 'Q' is stretching it a bit but, hey, if you want a post that's a tad different AND topical, well...!

THE AURORA BOREALIS

2011-01-31T13:58:00.007+01:00
Right now, the aurora borealis (the northern lights) is entering the most lively phase of its 11-year cycle, meaning the next three years are a great time to view! See above pic, as viewed in Finland; below in Alaska: and Canada:
Why are the northern lights more spectacular in some years than others?
Because the eruptions are loosely tied to the solar activity cycle which lasts about 11 years. The largest terrestrial effects seem to happen when activity is at its maximum and in the years following maximums (maxima?!). However, large disturbances can happen at any part of the cycle. The sun is now coming out of a stage of minimum activity and eruptions are starting to increase. It’s thought the next maximum could be in the next three years.

Have you witnessed the northern lights –or any other natural phenomena?

Happy Ruby Tuesday and Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of The Poet & Sue loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

MOVE OVER JANE (FONDA, THAT IS). THERE'S A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK!

2011-01-26T22:06:00.018+01:00

MOVE OVER JANE! THERE’S A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK…!

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘P’ IS FOR *P.E*. Hang on! Don’t run! Well, not before I can tell you about these easy Yoga-Lite routines!

Gym membership expired? Too cold and wet for that early morning jog? Bad memories of those old Jane Fonda exercise routines? But Christmas excess still need shifting; still experiencing that post-Christmas bloated sensation? Fear not! Help is at hand with the following easy peasy Yoga-Lite exercises which you can perform in the comfort and warmth of your own home even while reading your favourite blogs!

So without any further ado, let’s start our morning exercise – just 15 minutes - guaranteed to make us all fit and fabulous!

Here’s our fabulous new instructor, Yoga Bear from Aktari Zoo, Finland (below). All ready then, got those (never worn) leotards on?
Here goes:
Exercise 1: Both feet up like so…
Well done! That wasn’t too difficult now was it?! Let’s try some more…
Exercise 2: Left leg stretch… Ooh! Did that pull something…?
Exercise 3: Right leg stretch… Ooh! Aah! Exercise 4: Right groin stretch… more Ooh, Aah!
Exercise 5: Right leg stretch a bit more… Hey, move over Jane! We’re getting the hang of this now! Getting in our, er, stride… Exercise 6: And… relax! Repeat as often as required to regain that pre-holiday season svelteness!

Well, how was that, dear readers? Feel more relaxed, less bloated? We all know how important daily exercise is. However, I do realise that, however well motivated we are, we don’t always feel like exercise, whether strenuous:

or gentle. When we simply can't face the thought of any form of work:

And that even the mention of the word can scare some stiff to hide under the covers:
When all we want is simply to chill out and zzzz:
Well, how was that for you? Do you do regular exercise? If so, which do you prefer? Any hot tips? Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

AND THE WEATHER FORECAST WHERE YOU ARE IS... ?

2011-01-24T14:43:00.008+01:00

Icy cold like the image above? Or unseasonably warm (like recently here in Gaucin, Southern Spain, below)
with mimosa bursting into bloom everywhere And red, red sunsets However, rain is forecasted here and when it rains, it pours! And pours.
What's your weather like? Do tell me. And Happy Ruby Tuesday and Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday/ Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet/Sue Loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

*O*H! IS TV CHANGING YOUR KITCHEN TOO?

2011-01-19T19:31:00.010+01:00
Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘O’ IS FOR *O*H! IS TV CHANGING YOUR KITCHEN TOO?

A recent report in the UK press stated that the value of the average British kitchen has rocketed – now placed in the centre of action by soaps, dramas, cookery shows etc. Research by Liverpool Victoria home insurance revealed too that the average UK kitchen is now the most expensive room (average over £4000 or $6000) –an increase of 45% since 2005.

TV Dramas like:
1. Mad Men - Betty Draper in her kitchen (above)
2. Brothers & Sisters – the Walker family (below)
3. The UK's Coronation Street - Peter Barlow’s kitchen

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR KITCHEN REMODELLED? AND IS IT THE CENTRE OF ACTION? (OR WAS THAT ALWAYS THE CASE?) Do tell me. And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock.
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who have visited or commented. Have a good weekend.
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday.
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

JULIAN ASSANGE ~ FRIEND OR FOE?

2011-01-17T14:54:00.004+01:00

JULIAN ASSANGE – FRIEND OR FOE?
Internet freedom fighter or public enemy #1?
Currently on bail in the UK, the WikiLeaks founder is fighting against extradition to Sweden on alleged rape charges. What’s your take?
Happy Ruby Tuesday to everyone in Australia, New Zealand and the Far East where it’s already Tuesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday posts! (Links at Work of The Poet.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINEES 2011!

2011-01-12T21:06:00.015+01:00
Dear readers, I’m back again after delays due to weather, flight emergencies and… But hang on! Where was I? Oh, yes, participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘N’ IS FOR *N*OMINEES FOR THE GOLDEN GLOBES AWARDS 2011!

Here are some of the outfits suggested for Golden Globe nominees (and attendees) at this Sunday’s red carpet event. What’s your take? Which do you like/dislike?

KEY:
1. Halle Berry – Elie Saab (above)
2. Nicole Kidman – Givenchy (below) 3.Natalie Portman - Dior
4. Michelle Williams – Chanel
5. Anne Hathaway - Armani
6. Marion Cotillard – Elie Saab

7. Angelina Jolie – Armani
8. Julianne Moore – Marc Jacobs9. Amy Adams – Jenny Packman

10. Lea Michele – Oscar de la Renta
11. Helena Bonham-Carter – Marchesa
12. Christina Aguilera - Marchesa
WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THESE OUTFITS? DO THEY FLATTER OR FLOP?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers who visited or commented while I was away! I missed you all! Have a great weekend!

And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

YOUR *L*OLA LIFELINE!

2010-12-15T19:44:00.026+01:00

YOUR LOLA LIFELINE!
THE COLUMN THAT GIVES YOU,DEAR READERS,LOLA POWER!
Well, dear readers, welcome to the latest edition of Alphabe-Thursday where L stands for just one thing: YOUR LOLA LIFELINE! And my postbag’s full to bursting with queries and dilemmas from so many of you! And, as usual, I’ve picked out the most urgent and pressing
1. First up is another query from my puppy-nephew, Alfie (left).
Ooh, Nora! You are sooo useless!
Most incompetent PA ever! Post the
pic of Alfie below immediately...!

Dear Aunt Lola,
I like this girl I work with who’s called Tamara,(below) but have never managed to talk to her. She’s very attractive, and I haven't even said hello because I'm worried about embarrassing myself. I have worked with her for over a year now. What do you think would be the most appropriate thing to say, or should I just casually crash into her “by accident”? What should I do, Aunt Lola?

Dear Alfie,
"Crashing into her" would probably constitute some form of assault and not convey the full depth of your feelings in the most eloquent way. Much better would be to start in a low-key way: "May I borrow your stapler?", for example. Then move on to something along the lines of: "Do you have any of those terrific green paperclips? They're absolutely my favourite", which would give her the opportunity to open up the conversation. A couple of weeks of this work-related office banter (“Oh! I’ve run out of those Post-It notes again!”), then you can say: "Why don’t we go and do some photocopying together …?" without taking her entirely by surprise.
That should lead straight to a merger (left)!

Theoretically. Otherwise this could be the result (below right)…
Dear readers, that’s my advice for Alfie. Do you agree/disagree? Any other suggestions for him?

2. Next up is a query from Miss Filet O’Fish, Belfast
Dear Lola,
I have been bullied into taking my ghastly maiden aunt who’s an opera singer(left), on holiday to France this Christmas. Her behaviour is shocking: she is rude to hotel staff, complains bitterly about the food, speaks in a loud, shrill voice in museums etc and her personal habits are disgusting. She picks her nose, sniffs all the food put in front of her and gags when eating anything other than “good British fare” (ie fish and chips). What should I do?

Dear Miss Filet O’Fish,
Presumably you don't normally take your aunt on holiday, so it is quite feasible that when you go through all the endless airport security (left), you could simply forget she is travelling with you and go on without her. Your aunt will be clueless about where she’s headed, so the police will be unable to reunite her with you and will pack her off back home. Play the innocent about it all when you return, and the whole family will be laughing about it for years and years to come. Possibly.
Dear readers, that’s my advice for Miss Filet O’Fish. Agree/disagree? Any other suggestions for her?

3. Finally, we have a query from Ms Kitty Purr, London
Dear Lola,
Whenever my family doctor gives me a referral letter to give to a consultant, it always has the same introduction “This pleasant lady...”. Obviously this is some doctors’ code. What does it mean?

Dear Ms Purr,
Easy peasy!! It means you are polite and unassuming and so can be left hanging around in hospital corridors alongside trolley loads of sick and dying patients without causing a fuss, while “This confident lady...” (=demanding bitch, left), “difficult case”” (=hypochondriac), and “would benefit from your full attention” (=borderline lunatic, below) are given priority. (I take it you are, in fact, a woman - otherwise you might benefit from changing your doctor.)

Dear readers, that’s my advice for Ms Purr. Agree/disagree? Any other suggestions for her?
Well, dear readers, sadly that’s all we have time for today! But remember, if you have any problems or queries you’d like me to respond to (dealt with anonymously if preferred), don’t hesitate to let me know (or my P.A., Nora) in the COMMENTS BOX BELOW! However weird, outlandish, insoluble it may seem, I’ll definitely have an answer to that Desperate Dilemma of yours! So why hesitate any longer? Go on! Write to me, Agony Aunt to the Stars, in the comments box NOW!

And remember, YOUR LOLA LIFELINE! - your lifeline to a saner, more harmonious, beauteous world.

And now I’m going to creep back to my basket for my beauty sleep (yawn), but do help yourselves, my dear readers, to the champagne on your way out! Oh, btw, I shall be MIA for the next couple of weeks ‘cos Nora’s away and, as you know, she’s the one who transcribes all my deeply profound thoughts! But, like Arnie (above), I WILL be back very, very soon!! Promise!! In the meantime, Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year to all my dear readers wherever you are in the world!

And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock’s!
XOXO LOLA:)

WHAT CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS HAVE YOU MADE?

2010-12-13T14:55:00.005+01:00

WHAT CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS HAVE YOU MADE?
You can see what preparations these guys have to make for the season! A special cut for Christmas – and all the trimmings! What about you? What preparations have you made?
Do tell me! And Happy Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday!
And do visit other posts! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue Loves Cherries)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS STOP PRESS!
SEE YOU THIS ALPHABE-THURSDAY FOR A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION OF *YOUR LOLA LIFELINE*!

*K*NOCKOUT COLOUR TRENDS FOR 2011!

2010-12-08T20:12:00.017+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘K’ IS FOR *K*NOCKOUT COLOUR TRENDS FOR 2011! There seem to be here, a bit weirdly, most colours under the sun! Now, I realise the trousers, shoes and boots I recently posted about, may not appeal to all. But surely there’s some colour here that takes your fancy? And you’d be happy to wear? Or not …?! Do let me know!
KEY:
1. Pink (above)
2. Red (below):

3. Blue:
4. Orange:
5. Brown:
6. Green: 7. Grey:8. White:

9. Yellow:
10. Beige:
11. Black:
WHAT’S YOUR VIEW OF THESE COLOURS FOR 2011? ANY COLOURS/ OUTFITS YOU FANCY? ANY OMITTED?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock! Have a good weekend!
Enjoy!
XOXO Lola:)

P.S. STOP PRESS! NEXT WEEK, ‘L’ CAN MEAN ONLY ONE THING: SEE YOU FOR A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION OF YOUR *L*OLA LIFELINE!

SHH! THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS ...

2010-12-06T14:16:00.007+01:00

The secret (branded) ingredient!
It seems many good cooks ( and chefs too!) swear by an unusual branded ingredient which they add to the mix when making traditional dishes. Ingredients like Ketchup, Lea & Perrin’s Worcestershire Sauce, Marmite, Horlicks, Philadelphia cream cheese, Campbell’s soups...

Do you have a secret (or recipe) to share?

Happy Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue Loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

'J' IS FOR 'J'UST LOOK: SHOE & BOOT TRENDS!

2010-12-01T21:31:00.015+01:00

Dear readers, I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday where ‘J’ IS FOR *J*UST LOOK: SHOE & BOOT TRENDS WINTER 2010/ SPRING 2011!
Do any of these take your fancy?
KEY:
1. Thigh-High Boots (above)
2. Fur boots (below)
3. Buckled Boots

4. Stilettos

5. Spiked Boots
6. Knee-high Boots
7. Wedges
8. Laced-Up Boots
9. High Heels & platform
10. Colour combinations
More shoes:
And even more… And, finally, look what’s happened when Jimmy Choo got his hands on the Ugg (the Chugg?!):
WHAT’S YOUR VIEW OF THESE TRENDS? WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Do tell me! And do check out other Alphabe-Thursday posts @ Jenny Matlock!
And, finally, thank you to all my dear readers and also new followers who visited or commented this week! Have a great weekend!
And see you again for Ruby Tuesday!
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

MACY'S THANKSGIVING PARADE!

2010-11-29T14:23:00.013+01:00

Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade last week featured a lot of red which I’d like to share here with those of you who may not have caught it (or would like to see it again!):

ANY PARTICULAR IMAGE HERE ESPECIALLY APPEAL? ANY PARADE YOU RECALL THAT WAS MEMORABLE FOR YOU?
Do tell me! And Happy Ruby Tuesday and Rednesday! And do visit other Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet & Sue loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS See you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

THE JOHNSON DIARIES: Life on the Edge

AIRBRUSHING ...

ICONS

SEASONAL SHOWCASES ...

OR: WHY CHRISTMAS TAKES PLACE 12 DAYS LATER HERE ...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MOVIES TO STEP INTO ...

DEXTER!

CATWALKS ...

BOND MOVIES - AND THOSE BOND GIRLS ...

ADVERTS THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD ...

YOUR LOLA LIFELINE - HALLOWE'EN SPECIAL!

SOUL STEALER: A PICTORIAL AUTUMN JOURNEY ...

NOVELS: DO THEY SEND YOU TO *ZZZZ* AT NIGHT OR WAKE YOU UP WITH A *Z*TART?

*Y*OU HITTING THE BOTTLE TOO?

*X*CITING SIGNS!

WEIRD EMMY OUTFITS ...

YOUR LOLA LIFELINE!

SUCH SHOCKING SIGNS!

*J*UST LOOK: *J*UST DREADFUL SIGNS!

*I*NTERESTING HOTELS ...

*H* IS FOR *H*AUTE COUTURE!

*G* IS FOR GHASTLY BOOK TITLES & COVERS!

HAUTE COUTURE 2000-2003

*E* IS FOR *e*-BOOKS!

*D*READFUL, *D*READFUL SIGNS ...

SEVILLE HOSTS FERIA DE ABRIL FESTIVAL!

TOP TEN THINGS WOMEN HATE ABOUT MEN'S CLOTHES ...

UNUSUAL ART WORK ...

BIB NECKLACES ...

THE COLOUR RED ...

*A* IS FOR ADDRESSES WITH CHARACTER ...

HOT AIR BALLOONS MAKE CHANNEL RECORD BID ...

DO MOVIES SEND YOU TO *ZZZ* OR WAKE YOU UP WITH A BANG?

ONE MILLION POUNDS FOR 'WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE DOG' ...

*Y* IS FOR *Y*OUR KIND OF JEWELRY ...?

THE LAST OF THE ICONS ...

E*X*CITING LEOPARD PRINTS ...

JAPAN ...

WESTERNS - THE GREATEST SCREEN COWBOYS EVER!

WHO/ WHAT WOULD YOU SAVE FIRST FROM A BURNING HOUSE?

VERY, VERY STRANGE SIGNS ...!

BRISTOL CARS .... THE END OF THE ROAD!

MORE UNUSUAL SIGNS ...

NEED MORE COLOUR IN YOUR LIFE, GUYS?

THE TOP TEN WEEPIES FOR MEN - MOVIES, THAT IS!

"LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN"? - OOPS! IS RE-OPENING!

SHOCKS, SCARES AND HOAXES THAT FOOLED THE WORLD!

A VALENTINE FOR YOU!

ROAD SIGNS!

RED ALERT!

A VALENTINE'S DAY SUGGESTION ...

THE AURORA BOREALIS

MOVE OVER JANE (FONDA, THAT IS). THERE'S A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK!

AND THE WEATHER FORECAST WHERE YOU ARE IS... ?

*O*H! IS TV CHANGING YOUR KITCHEN TOO?

JULIAN ASSANGE ~ FRIEND OR FOE?

GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINEES 2011!

YOUR *L*OLA LIFELINE!

WHAT CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS HAVE YOU MADE?

*K*NOCKOUT COLOUR TRENDS FOR 2011!

SHH! THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS ...

'J' IS FOR 'J'UST LOOK: SHOE & BOOT TRENDS!

MACY'S THANKSGIVING PARADE!

NOVELS: DO THEY SEND YOU TO ZZZZ AT NIGHT OR WAKE YOU UP WITH A ZTART?

YOU HITTING THE BOTTLE TOO?

XCITING SIGNS!

JUST LOOK: JUST DREADFUL SIGNS!

INTERESTING HOTELS ...

H IS FOR HAUTE COUTURE!

G IS FOR GHASTLY BOOK TITLES & COVERS!

E IS FOR e-BOOKS!

DREADFUL, DREADFUL SIGNS ...

A IS FOR ADDRESSES WITH CHARACTER ...

DO MOVIES SEND YOU TO ZZZ OR WAKE YOU UP WITH A BANG?

Y IS FOR YOUR KIND OF JEWELRY ...?

EXCITING LEOPARD PRINTS ...

OH! IS TV CHANGING YOUR KITCHEN TOO?

YOUR LOLA LIFELINE!

KNOCKOUT COLOUR TRENDS FOR 2011!